Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: The Health Department has clarified that there is no need for panic or unnecessary concern over the recently reported cases of scrub typhus in Odisha’s Angul.

According to the Directorate of Public Health, the initially reported cases were based on results from rapid kit tests, which are screening tests and are not considered confirmatory for scrub typhus.

In the first phase of testing, all nine individuals who had tested positive through rapid tests were subsequently confirmed negative through the confirmatory ELISA test, officials said.

The remaining samples are currently being validated through ELISA testing to establish their status.

The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation, while the district health team has already reached the area to assess the situation and ensure that appropriate medical care is provided.

Authorities have also initiated necessary precautionary and preventive measures, including active surveillance and public health interventions, to monitor any possible spread and protect the health of residents.

Officials said the situation remains under continuous observation and all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard public health.